iPhone 7 vs Galaxy S7: Which Smartphone Reigns Supreme?
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, deciding which smartphone to buy? The iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 were both titans in the mobile world, dominating the market with their impressive features and sleek designs. Choosing between them can be a tough call, even years after their release.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core aspects of both phones. We’ll explore their performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and overall user experience. This analysis will help you determine which device better suits your needs and preferences.
Whether you’re an Apple loyalist or a Samsung enthusiast, or simply looking for the best value, this guide will provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each phone. Get ready to discover which phone comes out on top in this iPhone 7 vs Galaxy S7 showdown.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 7 | Galaxy S7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 5.1 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32/128/256GB | 32/64GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 5MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Operating System | iOS 10 (upgradable) | Android 6.0 Marshmallow (upgradable) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Expandable Storage | No | Yes (microSD) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 7: Features a sleek, minimalist design with an aluminum unibody. It’s water and dust resistant (IP67). The removal of the headphone jack was controversial.
- Galaxy S7: Boasts a premium design with a glass back and metal frame. It’s also water resistant (IP68). The curved back design offers a comfortable grip.
- Winner: Tie
Display
- iPhone 7: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with good color accuracy and brightness. Lacks the vibrant colors and higher resolution of its competitor.
- Galaxy S7: Equipped with a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The higher resolution makes for a sharper image.
- Winner: Galaxy S7
Processor and Performance
- iPhone 7: Powered by the A10 Fusion chip, providing fast and smooth performance for most tasks. Excellent for gaming and multitasking.
- Galaxy S7: Uses either a Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor (depending on the region), offering powerful performance. May experience some occasional lag compared to iPhone.
- Winner: iPhone 7
Camera
- iPhone 7: Features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and improved low-light performance. Known for its ease of use and consistent image quality.
- Galaxy S7: Has a 12MP rear camera with Dual Pixel technology for faster autofocus and excellent low-light performance. Produces vibrant and detailed photos.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- iPhone 7: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Not as impressive as some competitors.
- Galaxy S7: Provides good battery life, often lasting a full day. Can be extended with the use of power-saving modes.
- Winner: Galaxy S7
Operating System and Software
- iPhone 7: Runs iOS, known for its user-friendliness, smooth performance, and extensive app ecosystem. Limited customization options.
- Galaxy S7: Runs Android with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface. Offers more customization options but can sometimes feel cluttered.
- Winner: iPhone 7
Storage Options
- iPhone 7: Available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Does not offer expandable storage.
- Galaxy S7: Comes in 32GB and 64GB storage options. Includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Winner: Galaxy S7
Audio
- iPhone 7: Removed the headphone jack, forcing users to use Bluetooth or a Lightning adapter. Features stereo speakers, providing a better audio experience.
- Galaxy S7: Retained the 3.5mm headphone jack. Offers a single bottom-firing speaker, which is not as impressive as iPhone’s stereo speakers.
- Winner: iPhone 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Galaxy S7 |
| Performance | Tie |
| Camera | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
| Operating System | iPhone 7 (for iOS preference) / Galaxy S7 (for Android preference) |
| Expandability | Galaxy S7 |
| Water Resistance | Galaxy S7 |
What They Have in Common
- Fast Performance: Both phones offer excellent performance for everyday tasks and running demanding applications, ensuring a smooth user experience.
- High-Quality Cameras: Both the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7 boast impressive cameras capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Premium Build Quality: Both devices feature premium designs with high-quality materials, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing feel.
- 4K Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording, allowing users to capture high-resolution footage.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Both phones incorporate fingerprint sensors for secure device unlocking and authentication.
Iphone 7 Vs Galaxy S7 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 7, powered by the A10 Fusion chip, offered impressive performance, handling everyday tasks and graphically intensive games with ease. The Galaxy S7, featuring either the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor (depending on the region), also delivered smooth performance. While both phones were fast, the iPhone 7 generally showed slightly better optimization in real-world usage. The A10 Fusion chip demonstrated excellent power efficiency, contributing to longer battery life compared to the S7 in certain scenarios. Consider your typical usage patterns; if you prioritize raw speed and consistent performance in a variety of apps, the iPhone 7 has a slight edge.
Display
The iPhone 7 featured a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, known for its accurate color reproduction and vibrant visuals. The Galaxy S7 boasted a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, which offered even more vivid colors and deeper blacks, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. The S7’s display also had a higher resolution, leading to a sharper image. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference; if you enjoy a brighter, more saturated display, the Galaxy S7 is superior. The iPhone 7 offers a more natural color representation, which is appreciated by some users.
Camera
The iPhone 7 featured a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, producing excellent photos in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S7 also had a 12MP rear camera, which utilized dual-pixel technology for faster autofocus. Both phones captured impressive images, but the Galaxy S7’s camera often excelled in low-light situations due to its wider aperture and superior processing. The iPhone 7 was great for video recording and general photography. Consider your shooting style and the lighting conditions you typically encounter. Both phones offer advanced features, but the Galaxy S7 is known for its low-light performance.
Battery Life
Battery life was a key consideration, and the iPhone 7 generally offered decent performance, easily lasting a full day for moderate users. The Galaxy S7’s battery life was good, but it often fell short of the iPhone 7 under heavy usage. The iPhone 7’s optimization often resulted in better battery management. Battery performance will also depend on the specific usage patterns, such as gaming or video streaming. If battery life is a priority, the iPhone 7 might offer a more consistent experience. The Galaxy S7’s battery life can be improved with power-saving modes.
Design & Build Quality
The iPhone 7 featured a sleek aluminum unibody design with improved water resistance. The Galaxy S7 also had a premium design, combining glass and metal for a stylish look. Both phones felt premium in hand, but the iPhone 7’s design was slightly more refined. The Galaxy S7 was more prone to fingerprints due to the glass back. The iPhone 7’s build was more durable, and its IP67 water resistance offered peace of mind. Both offered a great design, but with slight differences in material and style. Choose the design that you prefer.
Software & Ecosystem
The iPhone 7 ran on iOS, known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration, and strong app ecosystem. The Galaxy S7 ran on Android, offering more customization options and a wider range of hardware choices. iOS is great for ease of use, with a well-curated app store. Android offers more flexibility. The choice really depends on personal preference. Consider whether you prefer the simplicity of iOS or the customization options of Android. The app ecosystems are great for both, and feature a wide variety of apps.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 7 If…
- You prefer the iOS ecosystem and its user-friendly interface.
- You value simplicity and ease of use.
- You prioritize a streamlined app experience.
- You want a phone with a well-integrated hardware and software experience.
Buy Galaxy S7 If…
- You prefer Android and its customization options.
- You want a phone with a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- You want a phone with a larger and higher-resolution display.
- You prefer a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The Galaxy S7 often shines in low-light photography due to its wider aperture and dual-pixel autofocus, offering faster and more accurate focus in dim environments. The iPhone 7 takes great photos and videos, but the S7’s camera is often considered the better choice for low-light performance. Both phones have excellent cameras for everyday use, but the Galaxy S7 is frequently the better choice.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 7 generally offered slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The optimization of iOS and the A10 Fusion chip contributed to its efficiency. While the Galaxy S7 had a decent battery, the iPhone 7 often lasted longer on a single charge. Battery performance varies, depending on usage patterns, but the iPhone 7 typically has a slight edge.
Which phone is faster?
Both phones were very fast, but the iPhone 7’s A10 Fusion chip often showed superior performance in terms of responsiveness and smooth multitasking. While the Galaxy S7’s processor was also powerful, the iPhone 7’s optimization often resulted in slightly better performance in everyday tasks. In real-world usage, the iPhone 7 might feel slightly snappier.
Which phone has a better display?
The Galaxy S7’s Super AMOLED display offered more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and a higher resolution, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 7’s Retina HD display offered accurate color reproduction and sharp visuals, but it did not have the same level of saturation as the Galaxy S7. It depends on your preference.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones had premium builds, but the iPhone 7’s aluminum unibody design and IP67 water resistance made it slightly more durable. The Galaxy S7’s glass back was more prone to scratches and fingerprints. The iPhone 7 offers greater peace of mind with its more robust design. Both phones are good, but the iPhone 7 is more durable.
Which phone has a better operating system?
This is a matter of personal preference. iOS on the iPhone 7 is known for its user-friendly interface, simplicity, and seamless integration. Android on the Galaxy S7 offers more customization options, flexibility, and a wider range of hardware choices. Both operating systems have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on what you value most.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones were excellent for gaming, but the iPhone 7’s A10 Fusion chip often delivered a smoother and more consistent gaming experience. However, the Galaxy S7’s powerful processor was also capable of handling graphically intensive games with ease. Both offer great gaming performance, but the iPhone 7 often has better optimization. The performance depends on the game.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7 were both excellent smartphones, each with its strengths. The Galaxy S7 had a stunning display and a great camera, particularly in low light. The iPhone 7 excelled in performance, battery life, and overall user experience. Ultimately, the iPhone 7 edged out the Galaxy S7 with better optimization, performance, and a more streamlined user experience.
Winner: iPhone 7